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STRUCTURE OF THE INTERNET
What is the Internet?
The Internet is basically a large computer network that links together smaller networks to each other. This can then be sub divided into two types,
Clients: These are computers that are simular to yours or mine.
Servers (hosts): These are the computers that store and provide the information for example Eircom, Ocean free etc.
How does the Internet work?
The Internet is not something that you can actually see. Any computer that is connected to the Internet is part of a network, including personal computers connected at home. The link is like a special line that is kept open by the servers computer. When you connect to your ISP(Internet Service Provider) you then become part of their network. This network in turn connects to a larger network and becomes part of their network and so on. The Internet is basically a network of networks.
When information is sent or recieved on the Internet it is initally broken down into smaller pieces called packets. Each packet is passed from server to server until it reaches its destination. Every machine on the Internet has a unique identifing number that is called an IP address. The IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the language used by computers to communicate over the Internet. A typical IP address looks like this 216.27.61.137 this is how it looks to a human but for a computer the same adderss would read like this 110111000.00011011.00111101.10001001.
Below is a graphical representation of the hierarchy that makes up the Internet.
HEIRARCHY OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
Network Access Providers(NAPS)
(Sell access to)
Commerce Service Providers(CSPs)and Internet Service Providers(ISPs)
(Sell access to)
Large Business and Organisations Smaller ISPs
(Sell access to)
Smaller Businesses and Organisations Individuals
To Connect to the Internet you will need a modem and a computer and a telephone line and an Internet service provider. The modem connects to the computer and then it is connected to the telephone line which is linked up to the server who supplies you with a browser a program that allows you to connect to the Internet. Most servers don't charge it just costs the same as a local phone call, but various companies offer special packages that allows access to the internet for certain times for a fixed fee. With the introduction of broadband, access to the Internet is instantanious and the price for connecting to broadband is reducing every couple of months and will eventually be available to all.
Future Patron Saint of the Internet